Mon., 03.26.18 The Chrism Mass

The annual Chrism Mass is set for 5:00 pm, Monday, March 26th in the Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Providence..

During this Mass, Bishop Tobin, joined by the priests and deacons of the diocese, will bless the holy oils to be used in the sacraments throughout the year. Also during the Mass, the priests in attendance will be asked to stand following the homily and renew the promises they made on their ordination day.

Among the oils to be blessed is holy chrism (sacrum chrisma), a fragranced oil that only a bishop can consecrate and which is used during baptisms, confirmations and the ordinations of priests and bishops. Chrism is also used during the dedication and consecration of churches and altars.

The other oils to be blessed at the Mass are the oil of catechumens (oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctorum), which is used for infant baptisms and in some of the preparatory rites for catechumens as they prepare for baptism and initiation into the Catholic Church, and the oil of the sick (oleum infirmorum), used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.